patchwork and quilting designs

Autumnal Log Cabin

This quilt is a great stash buster. Mine was made from strips of autumnal fabrics – my favourite colours, so I had (still have) a lot. This photo was taken at a quilt show with a spotlight just in the top corner, but it gives an idea of the overall effect.

I used two different widths of strips and added them randomly – lights one side and darks the other – until the blocks were the desired size. I occasionally added in a blue (sky? water?) to add a bit of contrast and there’s the odd green as well. It was also great for using up those fabrics that you’re not quite sure why you bought them anymore, but cut up small they blend in and don’t look so bad. What I love about Log Cabin is the many ways you can put the blocks together. Here’s some photos of the quilt in progress while I was trying to make my mind up which setting to use. First is Straight Furrows –

Next is zig-zags

then Barn Raising

and finally (because the strips are different widths – lights are narrower than darks) – circles

In the end I just put the blocks together all the same way and here it is on the bed

You can download the pattern (£3.50) from the website. Of course yours doesn’t have to be autumnal – use your favourite colours.